On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, in Clifton, New Jersey, a Passaic County Sheriff fatally shot himself in the bathroom of Toros, a busy Turkish restaurant in Clifton.
The incident occurred at around 3:30 p.m., just moments after he was seen smiling for a picture taken with acquaintances.
Sheriff Richard Berdnik, in his mid-60s, had a storied career in law enforcement, serving as the Passaic County Sheriff since 2011 after being reelected for a fifth three-year term in November 2022.
His tenure was marked by dedication and significant contributions, particularly his leadership during recent flooding events in the area, as Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh remarked.
Before his role as sheriff, Berdnik was a respected officer with the Clifton Police Department, where he led the juvenile division and the SWAT team.
His sudden death came amidst internal challenges within the Sheriff’s Department, including the planned layoffs of 29 correctional officers due to the closure of the county jail and recent arrests of officers on charges of violating a prisoner’s civil rights.
A graduate of Clifton High School, Berdnik was actively engaged in his community, being a parishioner at St. Andrew’s Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his wife, Monica, and their four adult children. The outpouring of condolences from colleagues, officials, and community members speaks to his impact as a public servant and family man.
Governor Phil Murphy expressed sadness at the loss, underscoring Berdnik’s leadership and their personal friendship.
The investigation into the circumstances leading up to Sheriff Berdnik’s death is ongoing.
